Peridot, the gem form of the mineral
olivine, traces its jewelry roots back more than 3,500 years. It was
first mined by the ancient Egyptians on the island of Zebargad in the
Red Sea. Zebargad was known as the "serpent isle" because it was
infested with snakes that interfered with mining activity until one
Pharaoh finally had them all driven into the sea.

Found in
various shades of green, peridot is most prized in lime hues. The
Romans called peridot "evening emerald" because its green color was said
to glow at night. The gem was also used to decorate medieval churches
and was most likely carried back to Europe by the Crusaders. Large
peridots of more than 200 carats in size adorn the shrine of the three
magi at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Small crystals have been
found in volcanic rock - in fact, Hawaiian legend called peridot the
divine tears wept by Pele, goddess of the volcano. Samples of the gem
also have been discovered in meteors that have fallen to earth.

The
ancients believed that peridot had the power to ward off evil spirits,
nightmares and enchantments. It was also used as a medical remedy to
treat asthma and other ailments. Its power was considered most potent
when the stone was set in gold. Peridot was also said to strengthen any
medicine drunk from goblets carved from the stone.

Most of today's
peridot is mined by Native Americans on the Carlos Reservation in
Arizona. It is also mined in Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Hawaii,
Italy, Norway, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. A new deposit was discovered in
Pakistan in 1994, yielding some of the finest peridot ever seen.
Numerous fine, large crystals were discovered, including one stone of
more than 300 carats.

Peridot is readily available in a range of
sizes, shapes and color hues. The finest stones are eye clean and have a
deep, lime green color. Because inclusions are common, clarity is an
extremely important factor when buying peridot.

Its relative
affordability and lively green color has made it a popular substitute
for those who cannot afford emeralds. The birthstone for August, peridot
is also the recommended gem for couples celebrating their 16th wedding
anniversary.

When shopping for peridot, keep in mind that it is
relatively soft (6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale) and should be spared
rugged, regular wear if mounted in a ring. This is why the gem is more
often used as a sidestone for more expensive gems than as the center
stone. It is also highly sensitive to rapid temperature changes and can
lose its polish if brought into contact with hydrochloric or sulfuric
acid.

Peridot is occasionally treated with colorless oil or wax to
improve its appearance. Surface fractures are sometimes filled with a
colorless resin that hardens. If done properly, these treatments should
remain stable.

Fine large specimens of the stone are on display at
the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.; the Diamond Treasury
in Moscow; and the Geological Museum in London.